What to Order in an Indian Restaurant as a Vegan

Indian restaurants offer a wide range of dishes that are full of bold and vibrant flavours. They cater to every dietary preference, and include vegan options.

While visiting an Indian restaurant as a vegan might seem like a challenge, the truth is that Indian cuisine has long embraced plant-based ingredients, making it a haven for those following a vegan lifestyle.

With its variety of fresh vegetables, legumes, and aromatic spices, Indian food offers a wealth of vegan-friendly dishes that are both flavourful and satisfying.

Whether you’re new to veganism or simply exploring plant-based dining, there are many delicious options that stay true to the rich culinary traditions of India.

We guide you through some of the most popular vegan dishes you can find at Indian restaurants, giving you a taste of India’s diverse culinary heritage.

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a classic Indian dish that is a favourite among vegans and non-vegans alike.

This hearty chickpea curry is made by simmering chickpeas in a tangy tomato-based sauce with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

The result is a rich, flavour-packed dish with a perfect balance of heat and tang.

Chana Masala is incredibly versatile, served on its own, with a side of fluffy basmati rice, or paired with naan or chapati (just make sure to choose a vegan option).

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, Chana Masala is a must-try vegan dish at any Indian restaurant.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a simple yet flavourful dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower with a mix of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

The soft potatoes and slightly crunchy cauliflower come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal that is both filling and nutritious.

The turmeric gives the dish a vibrant golden colour, while the cumin and coriander add depth and warmth.

Aloo Gobi is a great example of how everyday vegetables can be transformed into something delicious with the right blend of spices.

This dish is often made with minimal oil and no animal products, making it a great vegan choice when going to a vegan restaurant.

Daal Tadka

Daal Tadka is a simple but deeply flavourful dish that is a popular vegan choice at Indian restaurants.

The lentils are cooked until they are soft and tender, then seasoned with a tempering (tadka) of cumin seeds, garlic, and red chillies.

This process adds layers of flavour and infuses the dal with a warming, aromatic quality.

Daal Tadka is a great source of plant-based protein and fibre, making it a healthy and filling option for vegans.

Served with steamed rice or alongside flatbreads like roti or naan, Daal Tadka is a staple dish.

Despite its simplicity, it’s a dish that is loved for its comforting qualities and ability to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is an aromatic rice dish made with basmati rice and various vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and potatoes.

The dish is flavoured with the likes of saffron, cardamom, and cloves, creating a fragrant, flavourful experience.

The slow-cooking process allows the spices to infuse the rice, giving it a rich taste and a beautiful golden hue.

Each bite offers a balance of tender rice and crisp vegetables, making Vegetable Biryani a satisfying dish.

Often served with cooling raita or a simple salad, Vegetable Biryani is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a vegan option that is both filling and full of flavour.

Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a smoky and flavourful dish made from roasted aubergine.

The aubergines are charred over an open flame or roasted in the oven until their skins blister and peel away. This roasting process adds a unique smoky flavour.

Once roasted, the aubergine is mashed and combined with onions, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander.

The result is a rich, savoury dish that pairs perfectly with flatbreads like chapati or paratha.

Baingan Bharta is a great example of how roasting can elevate simple ingredients, turning them into something special.

If you love smoky flavours and savoury, hearty dishes, Baingan Bharta is a must-try vegan option when going to an Indian restaurant.

Masala Dosa

Masala Dosa is a classic South Indian dish that is naturally vegan and packed with flavour.

It consists of a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, creating a delicate balance of crunch and lightness.

The dosa is traditionally filled with a spiced potato mixture, which includes mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and green chillies, giving it a warm, aromatic taste.

Served with sambar, a tangy lentil soup, and coconut chutney, Masala Dosa offers a complete meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Indian cuisine offers an abundance of vegan options that are both delicious and satisfying.

From the spiced chickpeas of Chana Masala to the smoky flavours of Baingan Bharta, the variety of vegan dishes available at Indian restaurants ensures that there is something for everyone.

Indian food is known for its bold flavours, and the dishes listed here highlight the rich culinary traditions of India while catering to modern dietary preferences.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply curious about trying something new, Indian restaurants provide a wealth of options that showcase the best of plant-based cooking.

The next time you’re dining out at an Indian restaurant, you can rest assured that there’s no shortage of vegan-friendly dishes to enjoy.